from past accidents or trauma, it may be more difficult for her to accommodate these changes, and she may suffer more discom- fort as a result. Osteopathic treatment can help the body adapt and make the pregnancy much more comfortable. For most physicians, treating back pain and improving daily
function relative to tasks that involve the low back is a chal- lenge, because pregnant women are limited to treatments that will not create problems for their developing baby. However, Osteopathic physicians can use OMM at virtually any time dur- ing pregnancy to alleviate discomfort. Osteopathic treatment can help women during pregnancy become significantly more comfortable and ease considerably their labor and delivery.
Heartburn As the uterus expands, it can stretch and crowd the dia-
phragm (the internal muscle that separates our chest from our abdomen and controls our breathing). Heartburn occurs when stomach contents enter the esophagus (the tube inside us that connects our mouth to our stomach). The esophagus passes through the diaphragm. So, when tensions in the diaphragm occur secondary to pregnancy, heartburn occurs more easily. OMM can often reduce tension in the diaphragm.
Breathing Difficulties Postural changes through the lower ribs and spine can im-
pede the action of the diaphragm and make breathing difficult. OMM to improve function of the whole rib cage allows full use of available lung capacity.
Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids Tension within the pelvis or diaphragm area especially
when compounded by a growing baby in a woman’s pelvis and abdomen can increase resistance to the return of venous blood to the heart from the lower half of the body. This can cause or aggravate varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids. Os- teopathic treatment aims to release tension in the pelvis and diaphragm regions.
Osteopathic Manipulation in
Preparation for Labor and Delivery An important part of preparation for childbirth is to ensure
that the mother’s pelvis is structurally balanced and able to al- low the passage of the baby down the birth canal. Trauma to the pelvic bones, coccyx or sacrum at any time in a mother’s life can leave increased tension in muscles, and strains within the ligaments and bones of the pelvis. This can limit the abil- ity of these bones to separate and move out of the way during labor. OMM aims to release old strains within the pelvis, thus giving the best chance of an easy and uncomplicated labor. By improving flexibility in the pelvis and abdomen, OMM helps prepare the way for a more trouble free childbirth. By provid- ing freedom to the ligaments that support the uterus and pelvis, treatment may reduce the risk of emergency caesarean section as well. Ideally, women could receive OMM throughout labor; however, this service is offered in only a few hospitals in the United States.
Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy? Osteopaths are highly skilled and undergo a minimum of 4
years postgraduate training in addition to the residency training of their choice and are required to obtain continuing education throughout their careers. OMM is a safe and non-invasive meth- od of treatment that can play an important part in prenatal and postpartum care. The Osteopath will take a thorough medical history and undertake a specialized Osteopathic examination to assess the patient’s suitability for Osteopathic care. Where nec- essary the Osteopath will refer for other tests or to other health care providers. Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manual treatments that support the pregnant mother by enabling her body to accommodate to the changes of pregnancy without un- due stress and strain. Osteopathy can be beneficial before, dur- ing and after pregnancy. Gentle osteopathic techniques are perfectly safe at all stag-
es of pregnancy. The Cranial Osteopathic approach is a particu- larly gentle way of working with the body’s own natural mecha- nism for releasing and re-balancing tensions, without force.
14 September 2010
www.naturalnutmeg.com
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